Have You Ever Been ’Lost’?

As one of ABC’s best TV show series comes to a conclusion, I cannot help but wonder—are you lost?

“Lost” the television series has been on air for six long seasons filled with confusion, questions, and very few answers.  With only one episode left before the big finale, “Lost” viewers are more lost than ever.

If you are not familiar with this amazing show, the story follows several survivors of Oceanic Flight 815, that crashes on a mysterious island that seems to move through time.  With hints of science fiction, spirituality, and some bizarre geological occurrences, “Lost” has enticed its viewers with a plot line that always leaves you hanging.

An interesting aspect of “Lost” is the name selection for most of the characters on the show.  From philosophers to scientists to authors to theologians, “Lost” provides an interesting parallel with their characters. Jack & Christian Shepherd are paralleled with—well—Christian Shepherd. In the latest season of “Lost”, Jack is also associated with the number 23 and with his name selection its hard not to assume “The Lord is my shepherd….” “Lost” character Desmond Hume is associated with philosopher David Hume, Charlotte Staples Lewis—C.S. Lewis, and the list continues. “Lost” viewers still want to know the connections other than the obvious storylines paralleled in these characters—but hopefully resolve will come soon! 

Probably my favorite aspect of this show is this ultimate push and pull between the good and evil qualities of every character. ”Lost” writers and producers have truly mastered the art of capturing the humanity of the world in these characters.  With themes of power, greed, love, betrayal, peace, faith, and science, we viewers cannot help but reflect what we ourselves could be capable of doing.

I have been an avid fan since the first season, when weird polar bears and a crazy smoke monster were among my only questions, and as I have watched I cannot help but feel very bittersweet about the end of such a life changing show.

One of my favorite parts of this show is how so many of the aspects of my spiritual walk with God are played out before my eyes in a way that I would have never imagined. One of the most intriguing characters on “Lost” is a man named Benjamin Linus.  Over the years “Lost” viewers have watched this man go from a well hated villain to a common hero.  He is by far my favorite character, because he depicts a man who just like everyone else gets caught up in something far bigger than himself and loses sight of what’s really important—he truly got LOST.  In recent episodes you have seen Ben transform into the leader that “the island” may have truly intended him to be—a humble and broken leader.  But this came at a high cost, and a huge lesson.  In the following clip, you will see Ben at his most broken of moments and even more you will see the most moving depictions of the power of grace and mercy ever displayed on national television. I can sincerely say that this clip alone is the number one reason why I love “Lost”.  This clip is one of most honest and insightful views of human nature, and the amazing power that grace has when given freely—opening the door for the road to redemption.

For those of you have never seen the show, I would not recommend starting at the end, but rather head to a local movie rental store pick up the first season and spend sometime watching the show that has transformed this generation of television. Watching the show for the first time on the series finale will definitely leave you confused and clueless—so don’t expect to understand what’s happening! Start from the beginning and enjoy it!

For those who do watch already, I look forward to getting “Lost” with you this Sunday night, May 23rd, and I hope to hear some of your thoughts, theories, and questions this week leading up to the finale!

If anything, “Lost” teaches us a few things about ourselves, and hopefully, you can apply some of the many lessons these characters learn about love, hope, faith, and grace to your own life!

Be First to Comment

  1. “Lost” is filled with biblical parallels and also well-layered characters who force you to pay attention. As much as I’ve enjoyed it, it’s time to end. Too many shows run past their usefulness. The timing is right for “Lost” and Charles Widmore to meet their fates.

    May 18, 2010
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  2. said:

    I couldn’t agree more! Its very bittersweet, as it has become a family ritual to watch the show, but so sweet, to finally see what it was all about! It still amazes me how powerful television and entertainment are in the world today. As Christians we should embrace this fact, and utilize shows like LOST to engage is crucial conversations with the world today!

    May 18, 2010
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  3. Nitsuj Relis said:

    I have seen every episode up to this season, I missed episodes after the first two this season and I couldn’t bear to know what’s going on until i’ve seen all episodes so, I’m looking forward to catching back up. But on to the blogs point. The depth of this show is truly amazing. The philosophical ideas are rampant and awesome. The Christian parallels are pretty amazing. I always had a feeling that Locke was a Christ figure and as the show continued I saw it more and more.

    May 18, 2010
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